Categories

Heal Body & Soul With a Bathing Ritual

By
RITUALS

Thu Jun 15 2017

2 min read

Since ancient times, people have transformed the practice of bathing themselves into a meaningful experience. In today’s world, taking a long, luxurious bath can be synonymous with relaxation—but it also has healing powers.

1. It recreates the moment when we felt safest

A 2002 study from the University of Wolverhampton proved that a bath at end of the day has an indisputable effect on psychological well-being. The combination of being in a horizontal position and surrounded by water mimics the feeling of being in the womb.

2. It’s good for preventing and helping to alleviate skin conditions

Doctors often prescribe baths in combination with medicine for people struggling with disorders like eczema. For otherwise healthy skin, soaking in a bath helps to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores or even cause potential infections.

3. It improves circulation

When we’re submerged in warm water, ours hearts have to work a bit harder and more efficiently. This stimulates blood flow, which is always good for our bodies.

4. It lowers stress

A big reason most of us feel so relieved after emerging from a nice, long bath is because it naturally lowers our cortisol levels. Cortisol is the so-called “stress hormone,” so when there’s less in our system, we feel more at ease.

5. It helps you battle the common cold

While we can’t get rid of this annoyance completely, the steam produced in a warm bath can lessen the icky symptoms you have when you catch a cold. It frees up your nasal passages and reduces inflammation.

Aside from being a perfect opportunity to be alone and meditate on the experiences of the day, partaking in a daily bathing ritual has undeniable health benefits. We suggest you start filling up the tub with warm water and a gorgeous fragrance, light some candles and let the healing begin.